Is your phone hacked? How to tell if your mobile is secure—try these 5 methods..

Today, the smartphone has become the center of our digital lives. Banking apps, UPI, personal photos, chats, and emails—everything is stored on it. Consequently, a hacked phone can lead not only to data theft but also to financial loss and a breach of privacy. Cybersecurity experts and government agencies frequently advise users to remain vigilant. Please note that the signs mentioned below are not definitive proof of hacking; they could also be caused by an aging battery, a faulty app, or software bugs. Nevertheless, they should not be ignored.

Check Battery and Data Usage
Review your battery and data usage details in the settings. Be cautious if an app is consuming an excessive amount of battery or internet data—especially when you are not actively using it. Spyware can silently transmit data in the background, which drains the battery quickly and causes the phone to heat up. Frequent freezing or spontaneous restarts are also suspicious. If this happens consistently and appears to be linked to an unfamiliar app, investigate further.

Review Installed Apps and Permissions
Check your list of installed apps to ensure there isn't one you don't recall installing. Also, examine the permissions granted to each app under the privacy section of your settings. If a simple app—such as a calculator or a flashlight—has been granted access to your camera, microphone, location, or SMS, it is a red flag. Revoke such permissions and remove the suspicious app. Android users should also check the 'Device Admin Apps' list in their settings (a feature not present on iPhones).

Keep an Eye on Camera and Microphone Indicators
When the microphone is active, a green or orange dot appears in the upper corner of the screen. If you notice suspicious dots: If a dot appears when you are not actively using your device, check which app is accessing your camera or microphone, and revoke its permissions.
Check for call forwarding: You can determine whether call forwarding is enabled by dialing *#21# in your phone's dialer.

Note: This is not a definitive test for hacking, and results may vary depending on your device and network.
Warning: Do not dial any codes at the request of an unknown person; scammers often use this method to enable call forwarding and steal your OTPs.

Review your account login history.
Check your Google, Apple, WhatsApp, Facebook, and banking accounts to see which devices are currently logged in. In WhatsApp, specifically check the 'Linked Devices' section. If you spot an unfamiliar device or location, log out immediately, change your password, and enable two-factor authentication. Do not ignore unexpected OTPs, login alerts, or notifications regarding unauthorized bank transactions.

Keep your device updated and perform scans.

Ensure your operating system and apps are always up to date, as updates often patch security vulnerabilities. Android users should run a scan using Google Play Protect and try using the phone in 'Safe Mode.' If the issue disappears in Safe Mode, a third-party app may be the culprit. iPhone users should keep their iOS updated; if you perceive a high level of risk, you can enable 'Lockdown Mode.' If your suspicions persist, back up your essential data and perform a factory reset—but be careful not to reinstall any suspicious apps when restoring your data. In the event of online fraud, immediately call the National Cyber ​​Crime Helpline at 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.